Celebrating Four Decades of Voyaging

On March 8, 1975, Hōkūle‘a, meaning “Star of Gladness,” a traditional Hawaiian wa‘a kaulua (double-hulled voyaging canoe), was launched from the sacred shores of Kāne‘ohe Bay on O‘ahu, helping to build momentum for a powerful Hawaiian cultural renaissance. Along with the resurgence of traditional voyaging and navigation came a renewal of Hawaiian language, dance, chant, and other expressions of Hawaiian culture. Between 1975-2000, Hōkūle‘a sailed on six major voyages from Hawai‘i, at the apex of the Polynesian triangle, to Aotearoa (New Zealand) at the southwestern corner, and finally to Rapa Nui, at the southeastern corner. Her travels inspired a revival of canoe building and voyaging throughout the Pacific Ocean. Currently undergoing drydock work in New Zealand under the leadership of master navigators, Bruce Blankenfeld, Hōkūle‘a celebrates her 40th birthday today. Thank you for celebrating with us.

Kālepa waves as Hōkūleʻa departs Hilo.

Master navigator Kālepa Baybayan shares from Aotearoa that, “Hōkūleʻa is a symbol of hope grounded in a tradition of exploration and discovery. For wayfinders aboard Hōkūleʻa, the voyage is a testament to the success of our oceanic ancestors in the face of enormous adversity. It is about the universal quest for a better life, the marriage of will and knowledge, the spirit and flame of new hope. Like our mariner ancestors, we will continue to leave the safety of distant shores, and in doing so, we will discover the stars. Hauʻoli Lā Hānau iā Hōkūleʻa.”

Please help keep us sailing for future generations. Your contributions make the Worldwide Voyage possible!